Existing comment:
The fleet arrived for the first time in the Philippines on October 2nd. Their arrival corresponded with the tail-end of a cholera epidemic that had caused more than 12,500 deaths in 12,450 cases in the previous two months. With this, Admiral Sperry directed there would be no visit. His fleet had yet to meet the Japanese fleet and he chose not to take a risk on introducing cholera to the ships. The local reception committee was upset having spent $170,000 on arches, bunting and perishable food to feed the crowds of a naval parade. Unfortunately, no food or drink would be purchased ashore or for re-supplying the ships. The ships took on coal and departed after a week.
While half the fleet was enjoying the hospitality of the Empress of China, the other half returned to Subic Bay for gunnery practice. On November 8th, the fleet once again regrouped and entered Manila Bay. It was Sperry's wish to visit the city but the epidemic was worse than before. |